The financial golden goose egg of M2M services that has attracted the
attention of carriers globally risks being thwarted by the growing
security concerns in M2M applications. Porous security is exposing
vulnerabilities in a large number of use-case scenarios, including SCADA
systems, telemedicine, and telemetry. Most M2M applications are lacking
the basic security requirements that have been a defacto standard for
information and communication technologies elsewhere. If not addressed
sooner, this weak link could throttle the successful adoption of M2M in
healthcare, industrial installations, and consumer homes.

"The markets ability to respond to these security challenges at the
application level is still underdeveloped," says Michela Menting, senior
analyst in cyber security. "When faced with security requirements, the
focus has been to tighten the screws at the network level, often to the
detriment of the application, leaving it unpatched and exposed."
However, the horizontal evolution of M2M will require full end-to-end
security. Significant efforts need to be invested into M2M application
security in order for the M2M market to fully evolve. Whether this is
through open source initiatives or standards development, the demand for
increased M2M application security will have to be answered, and sooner
rather than later.

A number of M2M vendors have already started putting more emphasis on
M2M application security in a bid to anticipate future market
opportunities. The report highlights pertinent solutions from Axeda, ILS
Technology, Gemalto, Novatel Wireless, ad Sierra Wireless (News - Alert) in this area.
While the market is still relatively niche, ABI Research forecasts
strong growth over the next five years, with global revenues hitting
$198 million by 2018.

ABI Research (News - Alert) provides in-depth analysis and quantitative forecasting of
trends in global connectivity and other emerging technologies. From
offices in North America, Europe and Asia, ABI Research's worldwide team
of experts advises thousands of decision makers through 70+ research and
advisory services. Est. 1990. For more information visit www.abiresearch.com,
or call +1.516.624.2500.